Lewis Capaldi headlined BST Hyde Park for the second time on Sunday night, delivering a powerful 90-minute set that showcased his renewed confidence and hinted at a bright future. The Scottish singer-songwriter, who took a break in 2023 to focus on his physical and mental health, has been on a steady comeback trail, and this performance marked a high point.
Emotional Opening and Joyful Energy
“You know things were once really bad in your life when people are applauding you saying you’re happy,” Capaldi told the crowd of 65,000. “But I am. I feel good.” He opened with the rousing rock anthem 'Hollywood', backed by a five-piece band, which channeled Bruce Springsteen's bruised heartache and had the audience clapping in unison. The pop defiance of 'Grace' sparked massive sing-alongs as Capaldi worked the full length of the stage.
Varied Setlist and Surprise Guests
Despite warning the crowd he had a “shit load of ballads to get through,” the set never felt repetitive. The live band transformed 'Pointless' into a thundering rock epic, while 'Bruises' was stripped back to fragile vocals and piano. 'Hold Me While You Wait' and 'Forget Me' took on a soulful funk. After Sam Fender joined Capaldi on Saturday for a cover of 'Rein On Me', The Kooks' Luke Pritchard appeared on Sunday for a rendition of 'Naïve', which Capaldi called “one of the best songs ever.”
New Music and Renewed Confidence
Capaldi promised work on a new album would begin as soon as the tour wraps up, offering hints with songs from his recent 'Survive' EP: 'Almost', 'Something In The Heavens', and 'Survive'. These tracks revealed raw, confessional songwriting with newfound optimism. His performance showed more confidence, with fewer humorous asides than in previous gigs. “I just want to say, there was a point where I didn’t think this would ever be possible again but we’re here and I’m having a great time, so thank you. It’s a really special,” he told the crowd, before adding with a smirk, “Having said that, this is a song about my death,” leading into the devastating 'The Day That I Die'.
